The popular spirit shop and promotional partner is moving back to Halsell Street in downtown Bridgeport. They’re currently on Chico Highway but should be moved into 1021 Halsell St. by late November.

Owners Scott Hiler and Colby Shawn started the business in Hiler’s garage in 2010. Their first storefront was at 909 Halsell before moving out to the highway, and now they’ve come full circle.

Hiler said he and Shawn, as well as their employees, are invested in the community, and the Halsell Street store will be closer to the pulse of activity.

“We felt like there are a lot of good things coming for downtown, and we want to be part of that,” he said. “It gives us an opportunity to get into an area amongst other businesses, instead of out on the highway by ourselves.”

He also noted the opportunity to buy the building into which they’re moving presented itself at the right time.

“It was a lot of good fortune,” Hiler said.

Bridgeport Economic Development Corp. gave the business $37,500, most of which was used to upgrade equipment, allowing Ink ‘N’ Stitch to improve capacity and production capabilities. Hiler said the equipment is 20 years newer and has a much smaller footprint, which better fits the smaller downtown space. He said some of the money was also used for building renovations.

Customers can expect the same fun products, plus some new additions to the lineup.

“We’re really looking at trying to add some more Bridgeport and state of Texas themed merchandise in the store to try and build on the momentum that’s going on downtown,” Hiler said. “There’s a high level of pride in Bridgeport right now.”

He said they may also have some Wise County-themed items.

Look for them to make a big splash on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24.

Dema McNew. Photo by David Willeford

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER

Dema McNew won a Chick-fil-A basket in the silent auction last weekend at the Greenwood Fall Festival.

That has to be like winning the lottery. Everybody wants a piece of the prize.

Congratulations, Dema! I’m jealous.

Days without Chick-fil-A in Wise County: 33 (except for Dema)

Kristen Tribe is assistant publisher of the Wise County Messenger. If you have a tip for TCB, call 940-627-5987 or email ktribe@wcmessenger.com.

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